Sunday 6 April 2014

Brean Down Somerset 6/4/14

A blustery overcast start to a walk around Brean Down hoping to spot a few Wheatears and maybe a Ring Ouzel!
The steep path up revealed Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing their hearts out. Overhead we spotted a passing Peregrine and the usual Jackdaws, Magpies and Ravens. 
Everywhere there are Cowslips their bright yellow seemed to glow on this dull day.  The Blackthorn is in full flower and the Hawthorn in places in full leaf, this scrubland providing great cover for the Chiffchaffs etc. Male and female Stonechats were seen in a few areas perching on top of the scrub.
Looking out to sea we had the occasional views of Shelduck, Oystercatchers, Mallards and Cormorants.
At the fort we had some good views of Rock Pipits but unfortunately no Wheatears or Ring Ouzels.
Along the path we had a glimpse of our first Swallow fighting the strong breeze, just the one!
As we took a seat before our climb back down to the lower path a Willow Warbler started singing and we were actually able to see it perched in a Hawthorn, now we know it's Spring, just love the sound of the Willow Warbler!
At the bottom of the down we saw more Stonechats and the rocky beach area revealed a pair of Rock Pipits as well as small areas of White Rock Rose and White Campion growing high on the rock face.
Another great morning out with nature!

Cowslip - seen everywhere over the down

Blackthorn and Hawthorn the scrub bursting into life.  Great area for Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps etc

Stonechat - several pairs seen around Brean Down

White Campion ( I think) - high up on the rock face

White Rock Rose again high up on the rock face. Surprised to see it in flower

Rock Pipit at distance - a pair seen on the rocky shore.






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